Restoration plans for iconic Mayo building

The commercial sector is being asked to get involved in providing a viable future for one of Ballinrobe's most historic buildings.

The local courthouse, which dates back to the mid-1700s, is in need of restoration works and local councillors would like to see it restored to its former glory. The matter was raised at the February meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District by Cllr Patsy O'Brien who said he was disappointed to learn that just €120,000 has been spent to date on works to ensure the structural integrity and conservation of the structure, despite funding of over €700,000 being approved. Some €525,000 has been earmarked for the works from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht while €175,000 has been made available by Mayo County Council under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

In a report to councillors, management at Mayo County Council said it intended to make a submission for more funding under the RRDF with a view to bringing the building back into use. 

Asserting this did not fully address future plans for the structure, Cllr O’Brien said he was unhappy that all of the money allocated for the project was not spent.

“This is the Market House in Ballinrobe built in 1752 and it has an amount of history between Captain Boycott and the agitators’ court held there. "We are talking about dereliction, yet this building is left standing and this money is available. I know it is a listed building and Mayo County Council has no excuse not to do something with it. 

"We have seen state-of-the-art redevelopments in other towns, for example in Balla with the new medical centre, which was beautifully done. 

"You can’t leave €600,000 and it not be spent. I want action on this. A group was interested before and I want Mayo County Council to write and see are they still because I certainly have other plans for it, sitting in the centre of town in an unbelievable location.” 

Cllr Michael Burke supported the call and said there were legal reasons for the delay in works.

“I would love to see something of a commercial nature on the ground floor because being closed up like that doesn’t do any town good, so let’s reach out to the commercial sector for ideas.” 

Cllr Damien Ryan said it was an iconic building and "leaving it closed is not in the interest of anyone". 

"I think we should proceed to a presentation on the project and for architects to lay out plans for us and how to move it on.” 

The head of the municipal district Padraig Flanagan confirmed that the council has recently acquired the ground floor so every level can now be developed. 

“The focal point is to make the structure sound. The local archaeological society had expressed a desire to take it on once it is made structurally sound, so we will move to engage with them again. It is a vital facility for the town, and it is important it has the right use because it is strategically located and it is good news there is €700,000 there to be spent.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.